Trailer Brake Controller

It does have a checkbox for installation. Not sure if this helps you at all.

I agree. With the Dodge Durango, you automatically get a dash-mounted trailer brake controller switch. Seems odd that they should omit that somewhat essential safety item from the towing "package." Perhaps they're thinking that most will use the hitch assembly to attach a bike rack or some other static carrier that doesn't involve another axle?

Generally I think any vehicle that can tow over 3000 lbs should come with a trailer brake controller. The fact that the Ranger's towing package, which bumps up the towing to 7500 lbs, doesn't come with a trailer brake controller is wild to me... doesn't make any sense.

THAT SAID, I'm going to give Ford a pass on the Bronco. Sure, the Bronco has a maximum of 3500 lbs towing, but if you start looking at the numbers for most people the "real" maximum towing is probably around 3000 lbs or less. Many of the trim levels only have only 3200-3300 lbs max towing. And with the GCWR ratings as low as they are, if you're carrying any amount of cargo your maximum towing weight is probably much less than 3000 lbs. For example, if you have a 2.7L Badlands Bronco with four 180 lbs passengers and 300 lbs of cargo--which seems like a "normal" amount of cargo for many camping/fishing/skiing trips--your maximum towing drops to only 2700 lbs. The Bronco is just simply not a towing vehicle, it really isn't.

But I am glad they offer the brake controller separately, as there are many people who probably legitimately would push it over 3000 lbs, or just simply want a trailer brake controller to have more control while driving.

RagnarKon

Generally I think any vehicle that can tow over 3000 lbs should come with a trailer brake controller. The fact that the Ranger's towing package, which bumps up the towing to 7500 lbs, doesn't come with a trailer brake controller is wild to me... doesn't make any sense.

THAT SAID, I'm going to give Ford a pass on the Bronco. Sure, the Bronco has a maximum of 3500 lbs towing, but if you start looking at the numbers for most people the "real" maximum towing is probably around 3000 lbs or less. Many of the trim levels only have only 3200-3300 lbs max towing. And with the GCWR ratings as low as they are, if you're carrying any amount of cargo your maximum towing weight is probably much less than 3000 lbs. For example, if you have a 2.7L Badlands Bronco with four 180 lbs passengers and 300 lbs of cargo--which seems like a "normal" amount of cargo for many camping/fishing/skiing trips--your maximum towing drops to only 2700 lbs. The Bronco is just simply not a towing vehicle, it really isn't. But I am glad they offer the brake controller seperately for those who do want to push over 3000 lbs on occasion.

I agree but I want to tow a camp package off-roading and the trailer brake is going to be needed while go down hill even with light tow package.

MMBeer

I agree but I want to tow a camp package off-roading and the trailer brake is going to be needed while go down hill even with light tow package.

Yeah same situation for me... I'm looking tear drop trailers right now with electronic brakes, but even if I don't get one, I have a homemade overlanding trailer that I'd like to retrofit with some brakes. I can also foresee some housework/landscaping situations where I'd be towing a trailer over 3000 lbs.

So yeah... I do wish the towing package came with the trailer brake controller. But at the same time, I can see why they didn't add it. The decision makes sense to me.

I'm just glad they offer it as an accessory.

RagnarKon

MMBeer

I agree but I want to tow a camp package off-roading and the trailer brake is going to be needed while go down hill even with light tow package.

Yeah same situation for me... I'm looking tear drop trailers right now with electronic brakes, but even if I don't get one, I have a homemade overlanding trailer that I'd like to retrofit with some brakes. I can also foresee some housework/landscaping situations where I'd be towing a trailer over 3000 lbs.

So yeah... I do wish the towing package came with the trailer brake controller. But at the same time, I can see why they didn't add it. The decision makes sense to me.

I'm just glad they offer it as an accessory.

I’d love to see your teardrop trailer once you get it set up. I’m considering one of those as well. First things first, though.

BuckYeah

I’d love to see your teardrop trailer once you get it set up. I’m considering one of those as well. First things first, though.

Don’t put the trailer before the horse

TK1215

BuckYeah

I’d love to see your teardrop trailer once you get it set up. I’m considering one of those as well. First things first, though.

Don’t put the trailer before the horse

Exactly! LOL

Don’t want to get ahead of myself. But I did order the tow package, so it’s only natural to ponder options. A bike rack is essential for me, however.

RagnarKon

Yeah same situation for me... I'm looking tear drop trailers right now with electronic brakes, but even if I don't get one, I have a homemade overlanding trailer that I'd like to retrofit with some brakes. I can also foresee some housework/landscaping situations where I'd be towing a trailer over 3000 lbs.

So yeah... I do wish the towing package came with the trailer brake controller. But at the same time, I can see why they didn't add it. The decision makes sense to me.

I'm just glad they offer it as an accessory.

With my Jeep I had a factory installed hitch with a 7 pin connector (without a dash installed controller) and purchased a BlueTooth adapter (@ the 7 pin connector) that used a smart phone app to control the electronic activated braking from the adaptor to the trailer. It worked well enough for the times I had a trailer with electric brakes. The brand is Echo and plugs in between the trailer connection and the vehicle, it has an accelerometer to sense to increase braking to the trailer.

I order an obx with tow package. I will be towing a pop up camper that Ways just under 2400 lbs. I’m currently pulling it with my explores . . it has electric brakes . I’m glad to see that Ford has an accessory that I can buy